A REVERSAL OF FORTUNES.

Contrary to theoretical predictions, blacks have been more successful at acquiring municipal jobs in New York City than in Chicago. Moreover, the reverse was true earlier in the century: Blacks were once better represented in city jobs in Chicago. Using longitudinal data and historical accounts, the author argues that this reversal of fortunes happened because blacks were able to mobilize and exploit a critical juncture in political development — the decline of the political machine — earlier in New York City than in Chicago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]